Electrical Conductivity of Lambda DNA–Pd Wire

Abstract

We investigated the electric conduction of lambda DNA molecules covered with Pd colloids using micromachined DNA tweezers that has a pair of opposing probes for retrieving DNA molecules. The molecules were retrieved from a solution containing lambda DNA by applying RF power between the probes in the solution. The retrieved molecules were then soaked in a colloidal solution containing cationic Pd particles, which results in a DNA–Pd wire bridged between the tweezer probes. Current–voltage curves for the DNA–Pd wire can be measured between the DNA tweezers probes, and the resistivity of the DNA–Pd wire was approximately 74 Ω cm.